Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has addressed the future of winger James Lowe, suggesting that while his move to Japan makes a national team selection unlikely, he is not permanently closing the door on a return for the 2027 World Cup.
Lowe, 34, recently concluded his time with Leinster after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. The New Zealand-born player has been instrumental during Farrell’s tenure, contributing to two Six Nations titles and the 2023 Grand Slam. Reports indicate he is set to join Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.
The Irish Rugby Football Union typically restricts national team selection to players based at one of the four domestic provinces. Addressing this, Farrell noted that while the organization has held this position for years, they will monitor the situation over the coming 12 months. He emphasized the necessity of developing new talent, stating that prioritizing the growth of younger players is currently the right approach.
In the wake of Lowe’s departure, Jamie Osborne has been selected to start on the wing for the upcoming match against Australia. Farrell expressed admiration for Lowe as a person and a player, acknowledging the complexity of contract negotiations while wishing him well in his next chapter. The coach stressed that the team must now adapt, as replacing a high-impact player is a routine challenge in professional rugby.
